The Adamawa State Government says the proposed venue to host President Muhammadu Buhari for the flag-off of the gubernatorial campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state is unavailable.

The state government said the planned venue, Ribadu Square in Yola, the state capital, is currently undergoing renovation.

It, however, stated that it was working round the clock, alongside the contractors, to make the place fairly ready to receive President Buhari on January 18 for the APC’s presidential campaign rally in the state.

The government made this known via a letter dated January 4 and addressed to Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

Gambari had earlier notified the Adamawa State Government of the planned visit of President Buhari to the state to participate in the APC rally at Ribadu Square.

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However, the state government, in a reply to Gambari’s letter, said the facility would be unavailable on Monday.

The letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Bashiru Ahmad, read: “I write to acknowledge your letter ref. SH/COS/28/16/A/793 dated 3rd January, 2023 addressed to His Excellency, the Governor, in respect of the above subject matter.

“It is with utmost joy that we always welcome the news of a visit by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Adamawa State and always prepare to accord him a rousing welcome with the highest level of respect notwithstanding political party differences.

“Please note that, on this proposed visit that is scheduled for 9 January, 2023 and considering the purpose of the visit which is rally, the only befitting place (Ribadu Square) that is secured enough to host Mr. President, on occasions like this, and the surrounding infrastructural facilities are under extensive renovation.

“We, therefore, write to inform you that, much as we would want to provide a place befitting to receive Mr. President, we are constrained because we cannot guarantee the readiness of Ribadu Square before the due date of the flag-off.

“However, we are working round the clock and racing against time, along with the contractors, to get the place fairly ready to receive the President on the 18 January 2023 when the presidential campaign train of the APC berths in our state.

“Sir, while hoping that you will take seriously the foregoing in your planning, accept, as always my highest respect for your esteemed office,” Ahmad stated.

The Star